Charles Kennedy: Tories must see sense on Lords reform

The former Liberal Democrat leader admits a defeat on reform of the House of
Lords would be damaging to his party.

5:47PM BST 10 Jul 2012

As many as 70 Conservative backbenchers have threatened to rebel tonight on a timetabling motion on the reforms, which could have the effect of torpedoing the legislation entirely if the Government loses.

Labour is also expected to vote against the move to limit the time taken to discuss the Lords Reform Bill, despite supporting the plans in principle, saying that debate on such a key constitutional issue should not be curtailed.